Ten Years of Brucella canis: From Diagnosis to Management and Adoption [Abstract]

Abstract

Introduction
Brucella canis is a zoonotic bacterium endemic in North America, historically managed with “test and cull” strategies that have limited effectiveness, discourage testing, and harm animal welfare. Over the last decade, we implemented an alternative protocol for dogs that tested positive, allowing for confirmatory testing, safe housing, and a pathway to clear dogs when possible. This approach demonstrates that positive or suspected dogs can be managed safely within communities without resorting to euthanasia, preserving both public health and the human–animal bond.

Description
Best Friends Animal Society developed and implemented a Brucella canis protocol in 2015 to address diagnosis, safe housing, and potential clearance of affected dogs. Most dogs transferred to us faced euthanasia as their only option. These dogs were housed exclusively in Brucellosis-positive areas, with confirmatory testing performed through Cornell University’s 2ME-RSAT and AGIDII assays. The protocol includes prompt spay/neuter for intact positive dogs, a clearance pathway for those with positive screening but negative confirmatory or subsequent negative confirmatory and culture results, and adoption to informed homes in states where B. canis management regulations allow. We hypothesize that this approach can safely and humanely manage B. canis positive dogs without compromising public health.

Outcomes
From 2015–2025, 6 dogs were housed with B. canis. 3 dogs remain on-site, 1 is in foster care awaiting clearance, 1 died at 13 years old, and 1 was adopted while positive. They appear to live normal lifespans. No known in-shelter transmissions occurred during the study period, and no staff reported illness.

Conclusion
With structured protocols, it is possible to safely and humanely manage B. canis positive dogs without compromising public health. Incorporating clearance testing pathways reduces unnecessary long-term isolation, improving welfare and adoption outcomes. While we don’t practice screening healthy dogs, these findings challenge the default of euthanasia for positive cases.